Donald Trump wants a Europe in chaos – a sure sign for Britain to shore up its democracy | Polly Toynbee

A stark warning from Donald Trump sends shockwaves across the continent, with Britain facing a daunting challenge to shore up its faltering democracy. The US President's declaration of war on Europe is dizzyingly bizarre, yet chillingly clear: he sees the European Union as an enemy, not an ally, and his new national security strategy makes Russia - once America's arch-nemesis - his unlikely friend.

Trump's words are laced with vitriol and racism, labelling Europeans as "weak", "decaying" and "destroying their countries". He is determined to support the emerging "patriotic" parties in Europe, fuelled by a toxic conspiracy theory known as the great replacement. This is a threat that Britain cannot afford to ignore.

The UK is woefully unprepared for this assault on its democracy. Weak rules governing campaign donations and lax anti-corruption laws leave it vulnerable to manipulation by hostile actors. Foreign plutocrats are circling, waiting to swoop in with their wealth and influence to buy off British politicians. The prospect of Elon Musk or other billionaires backing Reform UK is a chilling one.

The government's latest anti-corruption strategy is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done. The lack of transparency and accountability in British politics is appalling. Labour's election manifesto promises to strengthen the rules around donations to political parties, but will it deliver? The time for timidity is over; bold action is needed to restore public trust.

The EU's Digital Services Act is seen as a treacherous act by Trump, who regards Europe's attempts to regulate US tech giants as an attack on American interests. Britain must take a firm stance on these issues, protecting its democracy from the worst excesses of corporate power.

As the battle for Britain's future rages on, one thing is clear: only bold action will restore public trust and defend our democratic values. The clock is ticking; the government has a choice to make. Will it step up or stand by?

omg can u believe this? trump's being super toxic about europe and it's got brits in a tizzy but i think there's a silver lining here too - maybe ppl are finally waking up to the fact that our democracy needs some serious TLC so yeah, i'm all for that anti-corruption strategy and i hope labour's manifesto delivers on its promises what's even more interesting is how this could be an opportunity for brits to come together and fight for their values it's not going to be easy tho, but i got faith in our gov

I'm really worried about what's happening with Trump's comments towards Europe . It sounds like he's trying to create divisions and fuel his own agenda, rather than working as part of a team. The EU is just trying to protect itself from the same corporate influences that are affecting us in Britain.

I think it's time for our government to take a strong stance on these issues, especially when it comes to campaign donations and lobbying . We need more transparency and accountability in politics, not less. It's not just about protecting democracy, but also about keeping people like Elon Musk from influencing politicians with their vast wealth.

The problem is that the current anti-corruption strategy seems pretty half-hearted compared to what Labour is proposing . I hope they can deliver on those promises and take some real action against corruption in politics. We can't just stand by while our democracy gets eroded away .

omg, this is soooo worrying trump's comments are like something out of a bad movie - you know, that one where the villain starts a war on their own country just because they're salty about losing . it's not just the EU he's going after, but also his own citizens who don't agree with him .

anyway, british ppl need to wake up and smell the coffee - this is what happens when you let politics get too dirty . labour's trying to do something about campaign donations, but we all know it's not that simple . like, who doesn't love a good scandal every now and then? .

but seriously, this is where transparency and accountability come in - we need better rules around those donations, or else . and elon musk backing reform uk? no way, man . this is exactly what we don't need: billionaires buying off politicians like they're nobodies .

anyway, let's hope the government gets its act together and does something about this before it's too late . can we PLEASE have a more nuanced conversation around politics instead of just pitting ppl against each other?

omg what a nightmare this is not good for anyone its like trump is trying to destroy all the progress we've made in europe like he's got some kind of grudge against us i mean who does he think hes talking to brits are gonna just sit back and take it lol no way they need to stand up to him and protect their democracy ASAP

"The die is cast" - Cato (meaning things can't be changed once they're done, so if Britain doesn't take action now, it'll have serious consequences)

I'm really worried about the UK's democracy, especially with Trump's words and actions. It seems like a ticking time bomb, and we need to act fast before it's too late . I mean, what's the point of having rules if they're not enforced? It's all about accountability now .

The government needs to be bold and take action, not just talk about it. We can't let the EU's Digital Services Act or the US president's threats dictate our actions. We need to stand up for ourselves and protect our democracy .

It's time for a wake-up call, Britain! Let's get our act together and defend our democratic values before they're gone forever .

OMG u guys brits need 2 wake up ASAP trump is literally attacking their democracy lol theyre just gonna sit there & let him get away wth it newsflash europeans rnt weak nd deying their cnts dont believe the hype tho brits hav a lot of time 2 sort out thier own issues before trump comes knockin

.. this is some serious stuff . Trump's words are like a poison pill - they're spreading fear and division, and it's up to us to call them out . The EU's Digital Services Act might seem like just another policy, but it's really about who's got the power in our online world . We need to be careful not to let corporate interests silence us, or we'll lose our right to free speech .

But you know what's even more worrying? It's not that Trump is saying something bad - it's how he's saying it . The way he's framing Europeans as "weak" and "decaying" is just a masterclass in gaslighting . We need to be careful not to internalize this kind of hate speech, because when we do... well, that's when things start to get really ugly .

So what can we do? For starters, let's make sure our politicians are transparent and accountable . Let's support those who are fighting for real change, even if it means standing up to some uncomfortable truths . And most importantly... let's not lose sight of what democracy is all about: the people, not just the powerful .

Trump's words are giving me so much anxiety about our kids' future ! I just can't wrap my head around how someone in such a powerful position can be so reckless and divisive . What kind of message does that send to our children about who they should trust? "We're the strong ones, and everyone else is weak"? No, no, no ! We need to teach them empathy and kindness, not division and fear .

And what's with this "great replacement" conspiracy theory?! It sounds like something out of a bad sci-fi movie . What's next? Labeling people who are different as "others"? That's not the America we want our kids to grow up in, folks! We need to stand together and reject that kind of hate speech .

The fact that some British politicians might be open to taking money from foreign plutocrats is just disgusting . It's like they're already sold on the idea of corruption and cronyism . But I still have faith in our government (mostly ). They need to get their act together and take bold action to protect democracy .

And can we please, for the love of all things good, regulate those big tech companies already?! It's not like they're going to solve anything on their own . The EU's Digital Services Act is a great start, but let's make sure Britain stands firm behind it !

Can't believe Trumps at it again! He's got some serious issues with Europe, but I'm not surprised - he's always been a master of stirring up controversy . But seriously, what's wrong with him seeing the EU as an enemy? They're just trying to maintain peace and stability in Europe, which is something we could all learn from .

The thing that really gets my goat though is how he's using racism and conspiracy theories to justify his views. That's not how you build bridges or solve problems, mate - it's a recipe for disaster . And what's with the great replacement theory? Sounds like some dodgy info to me .

As for Britain, we need to take action now and show Trump that we won't be intimidated by his rhetoric. We can't just sit back and wait for someone else to sort it out - we've got to take charge of our own democracy . And to all the wealthy elites circling around, Elon Musk or whoever, let me tell you - we're onto your tricks . Bring on some real reform and transparency!

This is getting out of hand! Trump's words are so toxic, it's like he's trying to divide us on purpose . I mean, what even is this "great replacement" conspiracy theory? It sounds like something straight out of a bad sci-fi movie .

I'm really concerned about the state of democracy in Britain right now. The lack of transparency and accountability is unacceptable . We need bold action from our politicians to restore public trust and protect our democratic values .

It's not just about taking a firm stance on the Digital Services Act, it's about setting an example for other countries . Trump's behaviour is a threat not just to Britain, but to democracy itself .

I'm keeping an eye on Labour's election manifesto and hoping they deliver on their promises . We need real change, not just empty words . The clock is ticking, let's get moving!